Pilipa’a 16’s finish 6-6

Orlando, Florida – The Pilipa’a 16’s finished play today in the 43rd Annual AAU Volleyball National Championship. Pilipa’a finished with another solid 2-1 performance today with quality wins over No Panic 16’s Matrix 2-0 (25-19, 25-23) and Reef 16-1 2-1 (25-19, 19-25, 15-12) before losing our final match of the tournament to Mizuno Sports Performance 16 White of Illinois 0-2 (19-25, 19-25). Pilipa’a finished the tournament with a record of 6-6 and ranked 73rd out of 143 teams.

It was a great experience and learning opportunity for our girls. They looked spectacular at times, however unforced errors and inconsistent passing hurt them against stronger teams. We did manage a great win against A5 Mizuno who finished tied for ninth with Woodlands Revolution who we played well against. Our girls have learned that improving their consistency on the court keeps them in the game and gives them the opportunity to compete and potentially defeat just about any team in the tournament.

It has been a great tournament for both of our Pilipa’a team. Mahalo to my wife Kathy, the ultimate team Mom, for all of the travel coordination, team administration and support of our girls. Mahalo to Coach Sean Spaar for your help all season long with our girls. Mahalo to Coach Zoe for making the trip to Florida to help with the 15’s. Mahalo to the parents that traveled with us and made this much easier. Donna Mahuna, Renee Veincent, Tricia Maldonado, and Jenny Toomata. You guys did and amazing job helping our Pilipa’a 15’s. Mahalo to Debbie and Lance Takai for your support too and thank you for the great pictures. Mahalo to Lisa Maldonado and Peter Watson for their incredible help and support of our 16’s teams and mahalo to Jazzy Alston’s younger brother Jerrell for being the biggest Pilipa’a supporter this week. Mahalo also to all of our parents and Pilipa’a ‘ohana at home that helped make this trip possible. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Pilipa’a will spend Monday at Universal Studios and will travel home on Tuesday. We look forward to being back in Hawaii Tuesday evening and look forward to seeing all of you soon.